A dental crown is a cap cemented over the tooth to protect it from weakening or breaking, or to improve its appearance. If this is your first time receiving a crown, you might be a little nervous about what the procedure will be like, whether it will be painful, etc. Listed below are three things to know about the dental crown procedure that will help ease your worries when going into your appointment:

1. The Procedure is Spread Out Over Two Appointments

The first appointment is set up for the dentist to inspect the tooth and prepare it for the crown by filing it down. Depending on the severity of the damage to the tooth, your dentist may need to fill it in. During this appointment, your dentist will also make a mold of your tooth so that the crown fits properly right over the top of it, and your tooth will be covered with a temporary crown. The second appointment will be the actual placement of the crown, where it will be attached with a special adhesive. 

2. You Won't Feel Any Pain During the Procedure

Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and gum tissue during both visits, so you won't feel any pain while the tooth is being filed and later when the crown is being placed. You may experience some pain or tenderness after you receive the crown, but it shouldn't last long. In fact, you'll probably notice a significant decrease in the pain you were feeling associated with the tooth that needed the crown in the first place.

3. Be Aware of Problems that Could Occur Afterwards

While some discomfort is normal after receiving a crown, if your tooth is extra sensitive, you might consider switching to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. It is also important to take it easy on your new crown for a few days to prevent loosening it or taking it off altogether. Avoid any overly sticky or hard foods (gum, caramel, and raw vegetables, to name a few), and try to chew mainly on the opposite side of your mouth from where the crown was placed. If you notice that your crown feels loose, or if it falls off entirely, contact your dentist immediately to get it reattached or replaced.

Don't let anxiety about a dental procedure prevent you from getting the care you need. As you prepare for your dental crown procedure, keep the three facts above in mind and know that you'll come out looking and feeling much better! 

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